Dr. Lambooy explains how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Earth Charter are complementary in three categories, and how these two documents provide the normative, ethical framework for every individual and group to play its part in overcoming the world’s fundamental challenges. Regarding the business sector, she says the Earth Charter in particular, can help shape the vision of companies large or small, so that they can contribute more towards sustainable development. In addition, the Earth Charter can be used to determine whether a business that claims to be a social enterprise truly serves a social purpose. Professor Lambooy also shares a story about how the Earth Charter was instrumental in addressing a trade conflict between The Netherlands and India, to find common ground and reach a resolution with lasting, positive outcomes.

1. What was your vision when the book Inspiration for Global Governance: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Earth Charter was published in 2008? How do the two documents complement each other? Has your vision on this evolved since then?
2. What is the relevance of these two instruments to the current times? What are the most fundamental challenges humanity faces to implement these instruments to the fullest?
3. How valuable is the Earth Charter to the private sector? How can the Earth Charter be utilised?
4. Is there a special role that the Earth Charter can play for social enterprises?
5. A few years ago, you were involved in a conflict resolution process related to the work of a company and which you used the Earth Charter. How did the Earth Charter help resolve that Dutch-Indian conflict?